Antipasto Style Penne Food

ANTIPASTI PENNE

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the soppressata and cook, stirring, until blistered and the oil turns reddish, about 3 minutes. Add the artichoke hearts and olives and stir to coat. Add the tomatoes, the reserved pasta water, basil leaves and 2 tablespoons of olive brine. Bring to a simmer and cook until most of the water evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the sauce and mozzarella to the pasta in the pot and stir to combine. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with more basil.

"ANTIPASTO" PASTA WITH SAUSAGE, ARTICHOKE HEARTS, AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid; return pasta to pot.
• Toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Cook sausage and tomato paste, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Add sausage mixture and 3/4 cup pasta cooking liquid to pot with pasta; season with 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toss to coat and add remaining 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, if needed, to loosen.
• Divide pasta among plates. Season with pepper and top with peperoncini.

THE DOM'S ANTIPASTO SALAD (WITH PASTA)

Steps:

• In a large bowl toss the cooked penne with the oil and vinegar.
• Gently toss in salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives, provolone, tomatoes and basil. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Serve over a bed of lettuce.
• Alternate arrangement: In a large bowl, toss penne, tomatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, basil, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Arrange torn lettuce onto plates; top with pasta mixture.
• Fold the meat and cheeses into rosebuds and arrange decoratively onto the pasta. Place olives into center of rosebuds. Sprinkle all over with oregano and serve.

POTLUCK ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beans, vegetables, cheeses, meats, olives and chives. , In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Toss before serving.